Senior Policy Officer

Help reform water management in Victoria

This job is for you if you are:

• Interested in how Victoria shares, manages and delivers water, including interstate water sharing in the Murray-Darling Basin,
• Good at planning and delivering policy projects,
• Someone who enjoys working collaboratively with different people, and
• Keen to tackle complex policy issues as part a dynamic and passionate team of experts. 

The Senior Policy Officer, leads key policy development and projects that build capacity to manage delivery risks in the Murray System and protect Victoria’s interests in interstate water sharing matters.The role is part of the Retail Entitlement Reform team that enables communities to get the most out of Victoria’s water resources. They oversee and reform how Victoria’s retail water entitlements are defined in declared water systems to provide certainty and flexibility and providing strategic oversight of reforms related to interstate water sharing and delivery in the Murray River.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• An appropriate tertiary qualification in natural resource management, economics, science, engineering or other relevant disciplines is highly desirable.
• An appreciation of the role Victoria’s water entitlement framework, water markets and river operations have in management of our water resources would be well regarded.  

• Stakeholder engagement experience within the water sector is highly desirable. 

This is a fixed term position available until 10 July 2027. The work location for this position is Melbourne CBD - flexible within Victoria with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description including the mandatory requirements.

How to Apply:

If you are a current DEECA employee, please apply via DEECA Careers.

Click the ‘Apply’ button and you'll be redirected to a new platform and create an account.

Applications close 11.59pm on Wednesday 2 September 2026.

All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We are unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

An inclusive, culturally safe and flexible workplace

DEECA fosters an inclusive workplace culture and is committed to a fair, accessible, and equitable recruitment process.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people to apply.  We recognise the strengths, knowledge and perspectives First Nations people bring and DEECA is committed to a culturally safe and respectful workplace.  If you need support to participate, please contact ***************@deeca.vic.gov.au.

We support flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work, varied hours, part-time work and job sharing.  For more information about our recruitment processes, visit applying for a role with us.